About This Lesson
This one-day lesson introduces students to the experiences of people who are blind or visually impaired, promoting empathy, respect, and inclusion. Through guided discussion, storytelling, and sensory-based activities, students will explore how individuals who are blind use alternative techniques—such as sound, touch, and orientation skills—to navigate the world independently.
To help students connect emotionally and intellectually, the lesson draws from Matt & Levy’s (Not-So-Perfect) Plan, a middle-grade novel that celebrates friendship, problem-solving, and understanding differences.
Students will learn appropriate ways to interact with someone who is blind—for example, greeting them by saying “Hi” and stating their own name, using the person’s name when speaking to them, and asking if and how they would like help instead of assuming what’s needed.
Blindfold experiences are used thoughtfully—not to “simulate” blindness, but to help students appreciate the importance of accessible environments, teamwork, and communication. The goal is to understand that blindness is not defined by limitation, but by adaptation and independence.
